One With the Wind ⛵️🌊☀️⚓️

𝓦𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓮𝓭𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓭𝓪𝔂

“I wanted freedom, open air, and adventure. I found it on the sea.” Alaine Gerbault, French Sailor

I was invited to sail Labor Day weekend with my father’s dear friend and a few other new people I hadn’t met. It's been quite some time since I’ve been sailing.

We gathered at the Greenwich Yacht Club and embarked on the boat. The captain was really precise in sitting us down and giving us a 20 minute orientation about the rules and regulations of sailing. How to do a mayday call, how to flush the toilet, where certain things were located, what to do and not to do, where the life preservers were… he seemed quite competent.

It wasn’t until we got out into the open seas that I saw a smile on his face. Being out in the open waters with crystal clear skies above gives you this beautiful sense of freedom, ease, and that life is so very present.

I was asked to do a few things on the boat, pulling in the sails, letting them out at the right time, it’s all a little nerve wracking, but when you get it right, it feels really good.

After sailing for a few hours, it was time for cocktails. We pulled into the section where there were many moorings, which was always something that caused me a lot of anxiety when I sailed. It’s not so easy getting that primary line onto the mooring buoy. Sailing really isn’t for the faint of heart. And it’s nice when you have the camaraderie of a well versed team sharing all of the dutiful responsibilities of sailing… and there is a lot to know! It’s not like getting on a speed boat and riding away.

“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.” E.E. Cummings, American Poet & Author

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison

We had a few cocktails and some snacks, and I enjoyed hearing everyone’s stories of sailing adventures in different parts of the world. Being present with new people on a beautiful day.

We then ate at the Tiki bar in Rye, the music was blasting, and we all shared plates of grilled lobster, shrimp, and scallops all fresh from the sea. We ended the night with a spectacular array of colorful fireworks that lit up the sky.

I felt grateful for the experience and meeting some lovely new friends.

Finding that sense of presence is a powerful place to be within yourself.

Wherever that may be for you, whether it’s on the water, in the mountains or surrounded by sandy breezes. Allowing nature to resonate with your soul brings a unique sense of freedom.

Be one with the wind.

Melt into the water.

Soar into the skies.